Not Guilty: Hernandez Govan Walks Free
Hernandez Govan, the man once accused of orchestrating the death of Memphis rapper Young Dolph, has been found not guilty on all charges. This included first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. The courtroom buzzed with emotion as the verdict was read, ending one of the most publicized trials Memphis has seen in years.
For context, Young Dolph’s killing shook the city and hip-hop culture to its core. His passing brought national media coverage and endless speculation about who was responsible. Govan became the face of those accusations, with prosecutors painting him as the “mastermind.” But now, after months of courtroom battles, a jury has cleared his name.
Outside the courthouse, Govan kept it short. When asked by a reporter for some words of wisdom, he replied: “leave Memphis.” The reporter followed up, asking if he planned to take his own advice. Govan didn’t hesitate: “of course.”
Defense Attorney Manny Arora Calls Out System Corruption
Standing beside his client, defense attorney Manny Arora had plenty to say. When asked why they didn’t push for a change of venue, he made it clear: Memphis needed to see this trial play out. He said it was important for residents to witness the “legal injustice” firsthand.
Arora also took aim at how the media handled the case. He stressed that the portrayal of Govan as the “accused mastermind” was unfair and damaging. He pointed out how the district attorney had a megaphone long before the trial, shaping public opinion before evidence was even presented.
“The DA enjoys privilege,” Arora explained, highlighting how easily prosecutors can sway the narrative. He further noted that the jury’s quick deliberation only proved that the case was weak from the start. To him, the short time spent reaching a decision was evidence the trial should never have happened in the first place.
The Bigger Picture: Memphis, Justice, and Moving On
Govan’s case wasn’t just about one man. It spoke to something bigger — how justice plays out in Memphis. For many, this trial highlighted flaws in the system. Some called it corruption, others pointed to bias in how cases are covered. Either way, this was a reminder of how the streets and the courtroom collide in the city.
His short but powerful words — “leave Memphis” — hit different. For some, it sounded like survival. For others, it felt like an indictment of a city weighed down by violence and politics. Govan’s decision to walk away shows how deep those wounds run.
As for what comes next, Govan didn’t reveal much. His team made it clear he plans to move forward, leaving behind the chaos of Memphis and the stigma of being tied to Young Dolph’s murder.